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Rescue operations are actively underway on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand individuals trapped at base camps on the east face of the peak.

Hundreds Rescued Successfully Amid Heavy Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the snowstorm near the east side of the peak were safely guided by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional snow and rain hit the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, 350 people had arrived at the remote town of Qudang, while contact had been established with the other two hundred hikers.

Holiday Rush Contributed to High Visitor Numbers

Tourists in the remote valley of the Karma valley, which leads to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this week, taking advantage of an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.

Snowfall in the region, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security

The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive the safe zone in stages under the support and direction of rescuers dispatched by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the area.

Unclear Details Over Local Guides and Other Areas

Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been stranded. It was not specified whether support staff and team members with the trekking parties had been located.

It was also unclear if hikers near the northern side of the mountain—also in the area—had been impacted or not.

Peak Season and Entry Halted

The northern slope of Everest, due to its convenient approach by roadway, regularly draws large numbers of visitors. October is a busy period, when skies clear with the end of the monsoon season.

Ticket sales and access to the whole Mount Everest region were halted from the weekend, according to notices posted on local platforms.

Nearby Area Impacted by Heavy Rains

To the south of the region, heavy rains triggered landslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday.

Thirty-five people lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine individuals were reported missing after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were fatally struck in lightning strikes elsewhere in the country.